CVE-2020-1192
HighCVSS 7.8Exploitation Probability (EPSS)
Very high risk96th percentile - higher than 96% of all known CVEs
Summary
Remote code execution vulnerability in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads workspace settings from a notebook file. An attacker could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user, potentially taking control of the system if the user has administrative rights.
Risk Assessment
Risk of system takeover and full data compromise, especially if the user has administrative privileges.
Recommendation
Install the update for Visual Studio Code and the Python extension that modifies how user settings are enforced.
Other vulnerabilities in Visual Studio Code
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Incomplete comparison with missing factors in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.
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Missing authorization in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
- CVE-2021-43891High
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- CVE-2026-70098High
Visual Studio Code has a missing authorization vulnerability that allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
- CVE-2026-102235High
Improper encoding or escaping of output in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
- CVE-2026-102234High
Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature over a network.
- CVE-2026-69370High
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
- CVE-2026-102851Medium
Incorrect privilege assignment in Visual Studio Code allows an authorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.
- CVE-2026-102233High
Missing authorization in Visual Studio Code allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.
Original NVD description (English source)
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when the Python extension loads workspace settings from a notebook file. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to convince a target to open a specially crafted file in Visual Studio Code with the Python extension installed. The update address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code Python extension enforces user settings.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS

